Four signs that you may need a knee replacement or treatment

David Stitson, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, outlines what to look for and how the hospital can help treat any issues

KNEE osteoarthritis develops over time and can sneak up on you. When you do begin to experience symptoms, much of the damage may already be done.

1. Pain points

■ Pain with activity - Knee pain manifests in many ways. Pain that comes on with activity and limits what you can do is a clear signal to seek help.

■ Delayed pain - Pain doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks to be serious. Pain that comes on after activity, also known as ‘payback pain’, can be a warning that your knee isn’t performing as it should.

■ Pain that interrupts sleep - If you find knee pain prevents you from falling asleep or you wake up because of pain caused by your movements during sleep, talk to someone about it.

2. Visual changes

The way your knee looks can be just as important as the way it feels.

Changes in the appearance of your knee can be a sign of inflammation. If your leg swells or looks markedly different from the other, then it may be time to speak with a specialist.

3. Limited movement

Difficulty sitting down in a low seat, such as in a car or cinema, because your knee refuses to bend is a common sign of osteoarthritis.

Seizing or catching of the joint during movement can also indicate advanced deterioration or that a loose bone fragment has become lodged in the joint.

4. Lifestyle limitations

It doesn’t matter if you want to climb a mountain or simply prune the garden - any symptom that prevents or limits your ability to do the things you love is cause for concern.

With a little help, a bad knee doesn’t have to impact your quality of life.

Treatment options

Most knee problems don’t require a full knee replacement. There are a number of treatments available, including physiotherapy and medication, which may better address your symptoms.

A new knee can be a new lease on life, but getting recovery right means getting back to the things you love even faster.

Ruth Andrews, physiotherapy manager at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, explains: “To determine what treatment options are appropriate for you, the first step would be to contact the hospital to book an outpatient appointment with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon.”

Mr David Stitson, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who has been operating at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital for 18 years says: “Following investigation, you may need a partial or total knee replacement, or you could just need physiotherapy.

“Another treatment option is hydrocortisone injections - it is not inevitable that you will need surgery. Being seen at the hospital and having your painful joint investigated brings patients peace of mind, to know what’s behind your joint pain.”

Knee replacements at the surgery

A knee replacement takes approximately one hour and following this you will be in hospital for two to three days. The usual recovery time is eight-twelve weeks.

Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital usually follows up with knee replacement patients at the twoweek mark when they come back to have their stitches removed. It’s also common to see your consultant again as an outpatient, so they can see how you’re getting on.

Further physiotherapy sessions are based on clinical need and vary from patient to patient.

Nuffield Health also takes a joined-up, end-to-end approach to healthcare with Recovery Plus. Your physiotherapist can refer you to the programme after being discharged from their care.

You’ll get three months’ free access to your local Nuffield Health gym with monthly health MOTs and support from a personal trainer.

Open for business

Throughout the pandemic, Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital and Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital - like all other independent healthcare providers - have supported the NHS, closing their private practices.

However, both hospitals have now reopened for private patients and are adjusting to the new normal postCovid.

■ Find out more on www.nuffieldhealth.com/ or contact Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital on 0300 131 1422 / Nuffield Health Exeter hospital on 01392 262 110.